Gang filmed attack on disabled man in Nelson

Police trying to trace a man who they believe may have been the victim of a disability-related hate crime in Nelson.

The incident happened around 3-15pm on Thursday, May 21st, and was seen by a member of the public driving in the Halifax Road and Hibson Road area of town, near St Paul’s School.

We are also keen to trace the three men involved in the incident and know there were a number of people in the area at the time who may have witnessed it.

PS Melissa Kelly

He witnessed three men pushing and shoving another man and calling him names, with one of them filming it on his mobile phone.

The witness intervened and asked the men to leave the victim alone. The victim is then believed to have walked away before the witness was able to speak to him.

The victim has Down’s syndrome and is described as aged in his 30s. He was wearing a blue jacket and carrying a Wilkinsons bag.

The men thought to have been involved are described as of Asian heritage.

PS Melissa Kelly from the Hate Crime and Cohesion Team said: “It is thanks to the Good Samaritan who stepped in and intervened during this disturbing incident that the situation did not escalate further and more serious harm was not caused.

“Since the incident was reported to us, we have been trying to trace the victim to see if he is okay but have been unable to locate him.

“We are very keen to speak to him to ensure it doesn’t happen again and to offer him support should he choose to accept it.

“We are also keen to trace the three men involved in the incident and know there were a number of people in the area at the time who may have witnessed it. I would urge anyone with any information to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information can contact the Hate Crime and Cohesion Team on 01254 353540 or they can call police on 101 quoting crime reference EG1502626.

Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.